Pupils raise over RM100k for TFM

Spellbinding: Dayang Rania Zara (left) and Micah Zain playing the role of Maria and Captain Shah (after Captain von Trapp in the original movie), respectively.

FOR 11 weeks, pupils and teachers at Sri KDU National Primary School in Kota Damansara, Selangor, dedicated their time to rehearsals as they geared up for their stage performance of The Sound of Music.

Adding a unique Malaysian touch, they infused a twist of humour and some local language into the storyline while staying true to the essence of the original narrative.

Their efforts proved worthwhile as they not only transported their audience to the enchanting world of the von Trapp family, but also successfully raised over RM100,000 for a good cause.

Held on Dec 8 and 9 at the school’s multipurpose hall, the annual musical production involved 350 pupils aged seven to 12.

With 76 teachers leading the rehearsals, as well as overseeing various aspects such as costume design, stage sets, and makeup, along with the support of parents, the production was helmed by Structured Performing Arts head Foo Mei Kay.

Their collective effort raised a whopping RM100,126 through the production, which attracted 1,500 audience members each night, complemented by fundraising efforts from the school’s Merdeka carnival.

Additionally, RM4,848 was collected through donation boxes and food sales during the charity nights, culminating in a total contribution of RM104,974 for Teach For Malaysia (TFM), an independent non-profit organisation with a mission to provide quality education to underserved communities nationwide.

The funds will contribute to sponsoring the training of graduates and young professionals, preparing them to serve as teachers in underserved schools in Perak and Sarawak.

During the opening of the production, XCL Education chief executive officer Anthony Partington highlighted the need to reduce educational disparities.

“With the contribution to TFM, it is our hope to encourage the children of Sri KDU to positively impact others, fostering their understanding of the broader world, encouraging empathy for those with fewer resources, and nurturing an awareness of the well-being of others,” he said in a press release.

Emphasising the enduring value of onstage experiences, Sri KDU Kota Damansara executive principal Trevor Spence said these experiences teach children to improvise, think on their feet, and tackle challenges – skills that resonate in classrooms and diverse settings.

“Early exposure to performance anxiety equips children for life’s pivotal moments.

“The production not only offers a temporary escape into different roles, but also cultivates empathy and teamwork. While these skills may not have direct applications in academic subjects, the process exposes children to innovative thinking and instils a sense of accomplishment,” he said.

Sri KDU National Primary School principal Shamsiah Anverdeen said the school aims to empower individuals through education.

This long-term approach is envisioned to enhance their lives significantly, fostering the potential for a brighter future, she said.

Present to witness the initiative was TFM chairman and founding trustee and Sri KDU Schools chair of governors Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz.